Breakthrough Integration Achievement
The 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing achieved a remarkable milestone in May by successfully integrating and demonstrating the AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II laser-guided rockets on the F-15E Strike Eagle platform.
According to Samuel King Jr.’s report, Innovative rocket tests push new F-15E weapon to warfighter, the compressed development timeline combined integrated developmental and operational flight testing, including live-fire exercises against both land and water targets. This expedited approach aimed to deliver critical capabilities to combat forces immediately.
The urgency proved justified—within just one week of successful demonstrations, Strike Eagles deployed with the new weapon system to a geographic combatant command’s area of responsibility. The strategic objective was to enhance the Strike Eagle’s counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities cost-effectively, complementing similar efforts with the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
“We made it a top priority to field this new capability as quickly and safely as possible,” stated Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, 96th Test Wing commander.
The Air Force Seek Eagle Office (AFSEO) at Eglin Air Force Base initially faced a nine-month timeline for the project, building on their successful 2024 F-16 integration experience. However, early 2025 plans encountered a significant technical hurdle.
“An already-proven way to mount the rockets onto an F-15 did not exist,” explained Col. Alec Spencer, AFSEO director. “A mount would need to be created, installed, and then integrated into the entire testing process.”
By mid-April, mounting solutions remained purely theoretical, creating mounting pressure to find viable alternatives.
Innovative Solution Through Legacy Equipment
The breakthrough came when the AFSEO team, collaborating with the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Det. 3, discovered the answer in vintage technology. They repurposed 1970s-era Triple Ejector Rack-9As and LAU-131 launchers—equipment originally destined for the National Airpower Reservoir in Arizona—giving these legacy systems a new combat purpose.
Eglin engineers and maintainers worked intensively to adapt the racks and launchers for the Strike Eagle. Simultaneously, the 96th and 53rd teams developed an entirely new communication interface enabling seamless integration between the aircraft’s systems and weaponry. This breakthrough built upon innovative modifications previously developed for F-16 weapons connectivity.
Accelerated Testing Protocol
Recognizing the operational urgency, testing procedures were revolutionized. Unlike standard practice, where airworthiness assessments precede weapon demonstrations, these critical evaluations ran concurrently with live-fire testing due to increasing Air Force operational demands.
General Massaro elevated the AGR-20F flight tests to the installation’s highest priority, effectively clearing all competing test missions from the schedule.
The fully integrated weapon systems achieved flight status within three days of this directive, with the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 85th, and 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron conducting both morning and afternoon missions. Throughout this intensive period, the F-15 Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force spearheaded the integrated developmental and operational testing efforts.
Comprehensive Support Operations
The priority designation mobilized extensive support across multiple units. Logistics teams managed critical equipment deliveries, parts transportation, and fuel supply for the accelerated flight testing schedule. Eglin Test and Training Range coordinators reorganized existing missions and unit schedules to provide necessary land and water testing areas for Strike Eagle operations.
Following successful initial demonstrations, the 53rd Wing and 96th Test Wing deployed personnel to the area of responsibility, delivering equipment and providing essential flight operations and maintenance training for the new weapon system.
APKWS II Technical Specifications
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II represents an innovative conversion of the standard unguided Hydra 2.75-inch rocket, enhanced with a laser guidance kit to deliver precision-strike capability. This system provides an economical solution for target destruction while minimizing collateral damage in close-combat scenarios.
The APKWS II guidance section integrates seamlessly between the proven 10-pound high-explosive warhead and the Mk66 Mod 4 rocket motor. Production commenced in 2011, with Initial Operational Capability declared in 2012 for AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters. The system expanded to MH-60S and MH-60R platforms in March 2014 and achieved integration with AV-8B, F-16, and A-10 aircraft by 2016.
The system’s mid-body guidance and control section maintains full compatibility with existing and future inventories of 2.75-inch (70-millimeter) rocket motors, warheads, and launchers, effectively transforming standard munitions into precision laser-guided weapons. Notably, the system requires no modifications to existing rockets, firing platforms, or fire control systems, while demanding only minimal crew training.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley / U.S. Air Force
